Long-term 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon first-quarter update

Three months in -- OK, more like five -- and 5,000 miles on the clock

January 23, 2017

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We're now three months into Jeep Wrangler ownership -- OK, more like five, but give us a break, we’ve been busy -- and we’ve discovered the body-on-frame soldier can tackle anything we throw at it. Granted, we didn’t do the full, get-a-flag-and-an-ORV-sticker, call-your-friends-with-tow-hooks-and-winches off-road adventure -- that comes in spring. But we’ve done just about everything else, including a four-hour trek to northern Michigan to see family and friends; drives on dusty, rutted roads to our out-of-the-way cottages; and your average Home Depot run. By the way, a handful of 12-foot 2x4s will fit in the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon; they just scuff up the dash a bit when using the cabin’s full diagonal length. It’s a Jeep, though, dang it -- it’s made for scuffing.

We put about 5,000 miles on the Wrangler in its first quarter, a bit above average for our long-term fleet. In total, we pumped 242 gallons of gas and, with our heavy feet, returned 16.5 mpg in mixed driving. Our high point was about 19, with the most leaded feet getting a 15-mpg low. We took it in for its first service ($40, including an oil change, tire rotation and fluid top-off) and for a quick recall to replace some wiring connected to impact sensors for the airbags and pretensioners, which cost us a day.

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Not bad for the last of its generation -- and maybe the last of its breed. The next Wrangler will be different, with new transmissions and engines. It won’t be all aluminum, despite rumors; Sergio Marchionne said as much last year. He also said there are no plans to reduce its off-road capability. We say it’s the least he could do.

We highly recommend the Sunrider soft top we ordered to supplement the hard top; but you should skip the hard top entirely. Even though it took three people and about two hours to put on, the soft top keeps the cabin plenty warm. Sure, it has some drawbacks, like wind noise on the expressway and the difficulty zipping and unzipping the back window. But the pros, like ditching the top entirely when weather allows, far outweigh the cons.

In fact, that’s the general consensus. The Wrangler gives up a quiet ride and precise control for basically everything else. It’s useful, it’s cool, and, as winter rolls in, it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

FIRST QUARTER UPDATE

Miles driven: 5,363Fuel mileage: 16.5mpgFuel cost: $589.68Days out of service: 1Maintenance: First service, including oil change, tire rotation, general inspection ($40); replaced wiring connected to impact sensors for the airbags and pretensioners (recall)